Alpiq intensifies its commitment to new renewable energies
Le Peuchapatte wind farm, Jura Mountains (Switzerland)
In addition to large-scale power stations and energy efficiency, Alpiq is also stepping up investments in renewable energies: for example, in wind power projects in Italy, Bulgaria, Sweden and Switzerland as well as in the construction and operation of small hydroelectric power stations in Norway and Switzerland.
Alpiq focuses on wind energy and hydro power
Together with Alpiq EcoPower Ltd., which was founded at the end of 2006, Alpiq has made CHF 200 million available for the construction of small hydroelectric power stations in Switzerland. Several dozen projects are currently being examined. In Norway, Alpiq is investing another CHF 200 million in acquiring and building small hydroelectric power stations. Three such power stations in the north of Italy belong to the Alpiq Group, which also holds stakes in several small hydroelectric power stations in France.
In Italy, Alpiq already has a strong commitment to renewable energy. The portfolio on Sicily includes several wind farms and solar installations with a capacity of around 120 MW. A 50 MW wind farm is under construction in Bulgaria, and Alpiq operates a wind farm near Montelimar in France. Alpiq put its Le Peuchapatte wind park into operation in December 2010, its first in Switzerland.
Kraftanlagen München GmbH (KAM) of Germany, a subsidiary of the Alpiq Group company AAT, is the general contractor responsible for planning and building the Jülich experimental solar thermal power plant. This will be the first solar-heated power plant of its type in Germany and represents a milestone in the move towards CO2-free electricity generation. The investors hope that the plant will produce new findings on solar technology, which can be used to open up new sales markets.
Alpiq is involved in renewable energies as follows:
Hydroelectricity
Hydro power is the Alpine region's most important renewable energy source. In Switzerland and abroad, Alpiq continually invests in the construction and operation of hydroelectric power stations and their optimal use.
- New renewable power generation, Italy and Switzerland
- Repowering of Flumenthal
- New small hydroelectric station in Splügen
Wind energy
Varying wind conditions place high demands on the utilisation of wind-generated electrical energy. Alpiq can make optimal use of the potential in wind-generated energy thanks to a portfolio of flexible power stations and access to an in-house trading floor.
Solar energy
The sun's energy is converted to solar electricity using photovoltaic technology. Or the solar radiation is collected as thermal energy using solar thermal systems and then used. Alpiq is the technology supplier for an experimental solar thermal power plant, and is investing in a solar farm on Sicily.
